Fran Dancing Feather

Many indigenous peoples around the world believe that we can help each other heal from any affliction of the body, mind or spirit by using prayers, natural medicines from the earth and other components of ceremony. These beliefs for many of us, are older than any of us can remember. The skills of healing ceremonies have been carefully guarded and passed from one generation to another throughout the ages for thousands of years. The words and actions of various rituals have been held sacred and very private for most Tribal members and extended families. It is insulting, dangerous and disrespectful when these rituals are copied and corrupted by others who attempt to steal them for profit and recognition. Just last year, a non-native man from our area was arrested for attempting to imitate a Native American ritual that was performed outside Tribal or even Inter-tribal protocol without consulting local Tribal elders. As the result the innocent attendees were charged nine thousand dollars apiece and instructed to trust his leadership without question. Three of them died! The fake “spiritual guru” was jailed and the native community spoke out harshly against his actions in the media. This was a great tragedy and a valuable lesson for everyone. Ancient Tribal culture is not a game or a fantasy. It is to be practiced only under the direction of the Tribal elders being represented. Read the rest of this entry »

No one wants skunks to make a home under the house. Although many native people including me, believe we are related to every animal in Creation, we may also find that there are certain relatives with whom we are unable to share our home. Animals like skunk and all other animals both wild and tame, can teach us many things about ourselves and the ways of the natural world. Skunk reminds us to keep our distance from those who threaten us. He can teach us that we are equipped with everything we need in order to protect ourselves. It is rare for either my husband or I to even remotely consider killing any animal we are not intending to eat. There is no way we would eat skunk meat and these creatures had been fighting and spraying under there for over 2 weeks. A leak in the air ducts carried the strangling aroma throughout the entire house every time the heater came on. They were spraying every few days and the stench hung in the air for days after each assault. We were at the end of our ability to tolerate it any longer.

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Often when someone seeks apprenticeship from Tribal elders, there are a number of things to be considered before the use of these “ancient medicines” begins. The mental, physical and spiritual stability of the student must be carefully considered. I am not a Tribal representative but have observed these practices many times. Every one of the seven hundred Tribes in this country has it’s own separate and unique means by which to practice they’re old ways. Most native leaders feel that preservation of these things is imperative. If we are to have individuals available who can help retain our sovereignty and the stories and medicines, there must be those among us who are willing to be trained and dedicate their lives for such a divine purpose.

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